looking back on 2019

I worked on the postcard series throughout 2019. This series suits very well to responding to external requests. Group exhibitions or open calls often work with a theme; I usually work on a series with my own theme for a period of time and then find that I don't fit in. Either that, or I have to try very hard, but when I'm happily working on my own series, I don't feel like doing that. With this series, I can easily connect with the artworks featured on the postcards.

Although I believe that it is perfectly acceptable to question the phenomenon of competitions in art and how open submissions are sometimes handled, I have participated in them on several occasions. They also offer opportunities to bring your work to the attention of a larger audience.

· I created the painting featuring Adriaen Coorte's asparagus in response to a request for the programme “Het Geheim van de Meester” (The Secret of the Master).

· “Once in Europe” (photo 2), featuring an extravagant still life by Jan Davidsz. de Heem, was made for the summer exhibition at Museum De Fundatie, which had Europe as its theme.

· I created “Marlene On The Wall” (photo 3), featuring Courbet's painting, for a group exhibition at Het Melklokaal in Heerenveen, where “sexy, provocative” work was requested.

· I painted the work featuring Rembrandt's self-portrait (photo 4) after an open call from the Rijksmuseum to submit work inspired by Rembrandt.

1. Some Other Spring, oil on panel, 48 x 60 cm, 2019

The postcard features a painting by Adriaen Coorte, the title of which is taken from a song by Billie Holliday.

2. Once in Europe, oil on panel, 35.5 x 48 cm, 2019

The postcard features a painting by Jan Davidsz. de Heem.

3. Marlene On The Wall, oil on panel, 35 x 46 cm 2019

The postcard features the painting l'origine du monde by Gustave Courbet, the title comes from a song by Suzan Vega.

4. The Everlasting Now, oil on panel, 60 x 48 cm, 2019

The postcard features a painting by Rembrandt, the title is taken from a song by Prince.

5. Little Fictions, 60 x 50 cm, oil on canvas, 2019

The postcard features a painting by Monet, the title is taken from a song by Elbow.

6. Damn those eyes, oil on panel, 27 x 41 cm, 2019

The postcard features a painting by Kees van Dongen, the title is taken from a song by Kane.

7. Japanese Whispers, oil on panel, 35.5 x 46.5 cm, 2019

The postcards feature Japanese prints by Yeishi and Kitagawa Utamaro, the title comes from a song by The Cure.